NZ U20 v Junior Wallabies 2
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That's why I don't like midgets on the field.
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A win for NZ wont hide the inadequacies that have been exposed tonight. That said Aussie hands have cost them about 3 possible tries by my count
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@Chris said in NZ U20 v Junior Wallabies 2:
There some real average forwards in that NZ u/20 squad.
Bad selections or shit coaching ? and all coaching I mean the levels under the u/20s as well.Wasn't there a discussion about this a few years ago? I think someone suggested there is a belief in NZ to work on general play in the age grades rather than developing the strength based disciplines. The theory being strength will come later.
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Yeah there was,It is showing out now as maybe not a sound idea.
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@Chris said in NZ U20 v Junior Wallabies 2:
Yeah there was,It is showing out now as maybe not a sound idea.
Not if you want to win age grade.
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Beaten on everything but the scoreboard and tackle count.
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I suppose the question is are the Aussie forwards more equipped for SR and higher compared to our forwards.
So what is u/20s being used for development ? backs wise we always have that natural ability,but forwards a worry.
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@Chris said in NZ U20 v Junior Wallabies 2:
I suppose the question is are the Aussie forwards more equipped for SR and higher compared to our forwards.
So what is u/20s being used for development ? backs wise we always have that natural ability,but forwards a worry.
I think it has to be about exposing players and teaching them the reality of playing test match rugby at the top level. Playing Australia will be a massive step up from anything those players have had before. A lot of them will be straight out of school and used to carving up their local comp.
I don't think we need to win the U-20s for it to be worthwhile. Most years you only need a maximum of 4-5 ABs. I think it is fine to say that other skills can come later. Size I am not worried about, that can come in the gym. The bigger worry is if players at this level have poor decision making and fundamental skills (for instance, a hooker should be able to throw the ball in straight).
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@akan004 There are often very hot and very cold U20 years. In 2015 we had one of our best teams ever - the next year we didn't make the semis. It seems to mostly be based on the quality of our forwards.
One thing I have noticed is that we often shunt our props around on different sides of the scrum than that which they played at lower grades - perhaps with the aim of converting them prior to NPC/Super Rugby
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@Chris said in NZ U20 v Junior Wallabies 2:
I suppose the question is are the Aussie forwards more equipped for SR and higher compared to our forwards.
So what is u/20s being used for development ? backs wise we always have that natural ability,but forwards a worry.
I was just now thinking about this and wondering about what we are seeing in Super Rugby. I wonder if some of the injuries we are seeing can be put down to the specific conditioning they received through the age grades. Names that spring to mind (mostly Crusaders because lets face it, the world revolves around them)- Grace, Lord, that kid from the Canes with the South African name, Holland, Gallagher, Blackadder, Bell. And that's just the forwards. I am sure there are others who have struggled with injury too.
I wonder if we have anyone in the know on the Fern who could shed some light on the subject?
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Very good point.
